Hinduism and Sikhism compared
Hinduism and Sikhism side by side: where each began, what they teach, their scriptures, holy days and symbols, and the beliefs and practices they share.
Hinduism took shape in the Indian subcontinent (from about 1500 BCE); Sikhism in Punjab, in north-western India and Pakistan (late 15th century CE). Of the 24 broad features compared here, they share 5: rebirth, karma, a written scripture, pilgrimage and rules about food. Only Hinduism: many gods or spirits, monks and nuns, priests, fasting, images in worship, non-violence to all life, sacred fire and sacred nature. Only Sikhism: one God, a founder or prophet, no images of God and prayer at set times.
Hinduism only
- Many gods or spirits
- Monks and nuns
- Priests
- Fasting
- Images in worship
- Non-violence to all life
- Sacred fire
- Sacred nature
Both
- Rebirth
- Karma
- A written scripture
- Pilgrimage
- Rules about food
Sikhism only
- One God
- A founder or prophet
- No images of God
- Prayer at set times
Side by side
| Question | Hinduism | Sikhism |
|---|---|---|
| Where it began | The Indian subcontinent | Punjab, in north-western India and Pakistan |
| When | From about 1500 BCE | Late 15th century CE |
| Founders and key figures | — | Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the first of ten Gurus |
| Followers today | 1.2 billion (about 15% of the world, 2020) | 20.8 million (in India, 1.7% of its people, 2011) |
| At the heart of it | The four goals of life: Dharma, right living, Artha, prosperity, Kama, love and pleasure, Moksha, liberation | Three pillars: Naam japna, remember God, Kirat karni, earn honestly, Vand chhakna, share with others |
| Scriptures | The Vedas; The Upanishads; Mahabharata and Ramayana; The Puranas | Guru Granth Sahib; Dasam Granth; Janamsakhis |
| Main branches | Classical Hinduism | Khalsa, Udasi, Namdhari |
| Holy days | Makar Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Janmashtami, Navaratri, Diwali | Gobind Singh Jayanti, Hola Mohalla, Vaisakhi, Guru Arjan’s martyrdom, Bandi Chhor Divas, Guru Nanak Gurpurab |
| Symbols | Om, Lotus, Trishula, Diya | Khanda, Ik Onkar, Kara |